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Nicosia

Nicosia (/ˌnɪkəˈsiːə/NIK-ə-SEE-ə; Greek:Λευκωσία[lefkoˈsi.a]; Turkish:Lefkoşa[lefˈkoʃa]); Armenian:Նիկոսիա) is the capital and largest city on the island of Cyprus, as well as its main business centre. It is located near the centre of the Mesaoria plain, on the banks of the River Pedieos.

Nicosia is the capital and seat of government of the Republic of Cyprus, and as such is the farthest southeast of all EU member states' capitals. It has been continuously inhabited for over 4,500 years and has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century. Nicosia was divided into the southern Greek Cypriot and the northern Turkish Cypriot parts in 1963, following the intercommunal violence that broke out in the city. Today, the northern part of the city is the capital of Northern Cyprus, a de facto state that is considered to be occupied Cypriot territory by the international community.

Apart from its legislative and administrative functions, Nicosia has established itself as the island's financial capital and its main international business centre. In 2012, the city was ranked as the 5th richest city in the world in relative purchasing power. It hosted the Miss Universe 2000 pageant.

History

The origin of Nicosia is uncertain; Engio, Erbita and Imachara are the three cities of antiquity with which historians have attempted to identify Nicosia with, but there is no evidence that the mentioned towns are in fact Nicosia.
The present name of the town suggests Greek origins: it is believed to get its name from Saint Nicholas (Νίκου Οίκος). Another theory suggests it is a derivative of the Greek saying "City of Victory" (Νίκης Οίκος).
The town is believed to stand on the site of the ancient Engynum.
The modern town was founded by Byzantine colonists in the 6th century. It expanded under the Arab domination and later under that of the Normans, who settled numerous immigrants from Lombardy and Piedmont, called "Lombards", giving rise to the Gallo-Italic dialect still spoken in the town and surrounds. King William II made Nicosia a royal city. It played an important strategic role, favoured by its position halfway between Palermo and Messina. It often gave hospitality to important figures, including Emperor Charles V.